Election Duty Update: The Election Commission has released a crucial and partially modified directive regarding webcasting camera regulations for the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. Previously, the rule mandated that all polling personnel, including the Presiding Officer, Polling Officers, and Booth Level Officers (BLOs), must wait at the booth after the voting concluded until the Sector Officer arrived to dismount the webcasting camera. However, according to the newly revised notification dated April 27, the primary polling party will no longer face this prolonged and exhausting wait. Election duty already imposes immense physical and mental stress on the staff. This rule change brings a massive sigh of relief to thousands of polling personnel across the state who can now head back after a grueling day of duty.
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Who Can Leave the Booth Immediately?
Under the new guidelines, the Presiding Officer, First Polling Officer, Second Polling Officer, Third Polling Officer, and Micro Observers are permitted to leave immediately after the polling process is officially complete. Returning Officers have been strictly instructed to make necessary arrangements so that the polling party can depart for the Receiving Center, following the prescribed security protocols, right after the poll ends. This is an excellent development for officials deployed at remote locations, as they can swiftly complete their final sealing tasks and head back without unnecessary delays.
Who Will Guard the Webcasting Cameras?
The notification clearly outlines who will be responsible for the security of the webcasting equipment once the main polling party departs. The responsibility of guarding the cameras now falls upon the following personnel:
- Booth Level Officers (BLO)
- Voter Assistance Booth Staff
- Police Constables deployed at the booth
- Queue Management Staff
These individuals are required to stay back at the polling station and ensure the safety of the webcasting camera until the Sector Officer arrives to dismount it. This ensures that the overall security and data integrity of the election process are maintained without compromising the camera equipment.
The Role of the Sector Officer
As per the standard protocol, Sector Officers will continue to visit the booths post-polling to safely dismount the webcasting cameras and submit the recording equipment securely to the Receiving Center. The crucial difference is that the entire polling team does not have to wait for their arrival anymore. This step highlights the Election Commission’s willingness to adapt and refine rules for the convenience and well-being of the polling staff.
Key Takeaways and Practical Insights
- For Polling Parties: Prepare your EVM sealing and statutory documentation efficiently so you can depart for the Receiving Center the moment voting officially concludes. Ensure all safety protocols are followed during transit.
- For BLOs and Support Staff: Do not leave the booth premises under any circumstances until the Sector Officer safely removes the camera. Maintain active communication with your respective Sector Officer for a seamless and quick handover process.
